Lady Hussey ‘back in royal fold’ after palace race row
LADY HUSSEY joined the King and the Princess Royal at a church service at Sandringham yesterday, two months after resigning in a racism row.
The appearance of the 83-year-old at St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk appeared to signify vote of confidence from the Royal family in the former lady-in-waiting to Elizabeth II.
Lady Hussey stepped down from an honorary role after asking Ngozi Fulani, a black British charity boss, where she “really” came from at a Buckingham Palace event in November.
At the time, Ms Fulani said she was “totally stunned” by the “interrogation” by Prince William’s godmother as she had already explained she was born and raised in the UK.
Lady Hussey apologised to Ms Fulani, founder of the Sistah Space domestic violence charity, when the two women met at Buckingham Palace in December, where it was reported they had a “peaceful reconciliation”.
“At this meeting, filled with warmth and understanding, Lady Susan offered her sincere apologies for the comments that were made and the distress they caused to Ms Fulani,” a joint statement said. “Lady Susan has pledged to deepen her awareness of the sensitivities involved and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the issues in this area.
“Ms Fulani, who has unfairly received the most appalling torrent of abuse on social media and elsewhere, has accepted this apology and appreciates that no malice was intended.”
It added: “The Royal households will continue their focus on inclusion and diversity, with an enhanced programme of work which will extend knowledge and training programmes.”
Lady Hussey, who served the late Queen for 60 years, appeared to be clutching a white rose and smiling as she attended yesterday’s church service.
The palace has refused to comment on the possibility that she could be reinstated as a Lady of the Household in the future.